Dattajirao Gaekwad passes away at 95 | A Test cricket player
Introduction
Indian cricket has lost one of its most cherished icons with the passing of Dattajirao Gaekwad, the oldest living Test cricketer in the country. Gaekwad, lovingly known as DK, left an indelible mark on the sport, both as a player and as a mentor. His contributions to Baroda cricket and his leadership on the field will be remembered for generations to come. In this article, we pay tribute to the remarkable journey of Dattajirao Gaekwad and explore the significant milestones of his career.
In the last game at Vadodara’s Motibaug Stadium, the Baroda team, led by Gaekwad, had defeated the Services Team by an innings and 51 runs.
Early Life and Debut
Born in Baroda, Dattajirao Gaekwad developed a passion for cricket at a young age. His talent and dedication were evident from the start, and he made his debut for the Indian cricket team during the 1952 tour of England. Gaekwad’s elegant batting style and solid defense caught the attention of fans and selectors alike.
The Cricketing Career of Dattajirao Gaekwad
Test Matches and Captaincy
Gaekwad played a total of 11 Test matches for India, showcasing his skills and determination on the international stage. He had the honor of captaining the Indian team during their tour of England in 1959. Despite the challenging conditions and tough competition, Gaekwad led the team with great courage and resilience.
Domestic Success and Leadership
While Gaekwad’s international career had its ups and downs, he truly excelled in domestic cricket. He represented Baroda in the Ranji Trophy and led them to their first title in almost a decade during the 1957-58 season. Gaekwad’s performance in the final against Services was exceptional, scoring a century that played a crucial role in Baroda’s victory.
Contributions to Baroda Cricket
After retiring from active cricket, Gaekwad continued to contribute to the sport he loved. He dedicated himself to nurturing young talent in Baroda and played a pivotal role in shaping the future of the team. His efforts were invaluable in producing several promising cricketers who went on to represent India.
In 11 games, Dattaji amassed 350 runs, including a fifty during his Test career. In a series in England in 1959, he captained India in four Test matches. Dattajirao failed to carry over his form into the Test series even though he scored more than a thousand runs during the tour.
Gaekwad’s Legacy
Dattajirao Gaekwad’s impact on Indian cricket goes beyond his playing career. His dedication, passion, and leadership qualities inspired generations of cricketers. Gaekwad’s son, Anshuman Gaekwad, followed in his father’s footsteps, representing India and later becoming a national coach. The Gaekwad family’s contribution to Indian cricket is truly remarkable.
Tributes and Condolences
The news of Dattajirao Gaekwad’s passing has left the cricketing community in mourning. Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan expressed his condolences on social media, acknowledging Gaekwad’s significant contributions to scouting young talent for Baroda cricket. The Indian Cricketers’ Association also extended their deepest condolences to Gaekwad’s family, friends, and admirers.
Remembering the Achievements
Dattajirao Gaekwad’s cricketing achievements will forever be etched in the annals of Indian cricket history. Despite facing various challenges throughout his career, he remained resilient and dedicated to the sport. Gaekwad’s contribution to Baroda cricket and his leadership qualities continue to inspire young cricketers to this day.
When the Maharaja of Baroda appointed C S Nayudu, brother of former India cricket captain C K Nayudu, as a coach for young players in 1948, Gaekwad was a pupil of Nayudu. Gaekwad participated in the inaugural Under-14 and Under-16 cricket competitions in Baroda, which were organized by C K Nayudu when he was twelve years old.
Gaekwad’s Lasting Impact
Beyond the statistics and accolades, Dattajirao Gaekwad’s true legacy lies in the impact he had on the lives of those he mentored. His guidance and mentorship have helped shape numerous young cricketers into successful professionals. Gaekwad’s absence will be deeply felt, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of cricketers.
Legends like Vijay Hazare were among Gaekwad’s associates. He then became the inaugural captain of MS University’s cricket team and coached the Baroda Ranji squad until 2000. Together with cricket administrator Jaywant Lele, Gaekwad had also held the position of joint secretary of the Baroda Cricket Association in the late 1960s. In his early years, he had also held the position as comptroller of Baroda State.
Conclusion
Dattajirao Gaekwad’s contributions to Indian cricket, both on and off the field, will forever be cherished. His elegant batting style, exceptional leadership, and dedication to the sport have left an indelible mark on the history of Indian cricket. As we bid farewell to this legendary figure, we remember the impact he had and the inspiration he provided to generations of cricketers. Dattajirao Gaekwad will always be remembered as a true icon of Indian cricket.
